Evan Lysacek's plans for a comeback to competitive figure skating this season have been further compromised by a sports hernia. The latest setback, which required surgery Tuesday, all but ends Lysacek's hopes to compete at January's U.S. Championships. According to U.S. Figure Skating, he is expected to be off the ice approximately six weeks. The hernia was discovered during the latest examination of the groin injury that had forced the reigning Olympic champion to...

The Sports Xchange NFL Team Report - Baltimore Ravens - INSIDE SLANT Ravens rookie linebacker Arthur Brown is likely to be out until training camp after undergoing sports hernia surgery. "Arthur had a sports hernia surgery right after the rookie minicamp," said coach John Harbaugh. "So, he's recovering from that. He should be fine soon enough. " The recovery time is normally four-to-six weeks. The Ravens' final organized work ends with the June 11-13 minicamp, but rookies...

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson underwent surgery Thursday to repair a sports hernia. The club expects a quick recovery and doesn't anticipate any long-term issues for the 2012 NFL MVP. "Adrian Peterson had a surgical procedure done (Thursday) by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," the Vikings said in a statement. "Dr. Meyers was able to successfully repair Adrian's abdominal core muscle injury. We expect a speedy recovery...

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who missed the entire first-round playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks, underwent successful sports hernia surgery Thursday. Backstrom, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is expected to be fully recovered in time for the beginning of the 2013-14 season. The 35-year-old Finn was injured during pregame warmups before Minnesota's playoff opener at the United Center. Josh Harding...

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton says he might be playing with a sports hernia. He will worry about it after the World Series. Hamilton said before Game 3 on Saturday night that he is speculating he has a sports hernia based on how it feels. He missed a month during the 2009 season after surgery for what was eventually diagnosed as a sports hernia. Hamilton says it's a non-factor for him right now and that he is "going to get through it. " The...

SportsDirect Inc. Preview: Alabama at Georgia Georgia may not have much hope when it comes to winning the Southeastern Conference regular-season title, but the fact it is even in the running after a miserable start is a surprise. The Bulldogs eye a sixth straight victory on Tuesday when they host Alabama. Georgia began the season with two wins over its first nine games and opened SEC play with a 1-4 record, with each loss coming by at least 11 points. The Bulldogs have since turned their...

Feb 7 (Reuters) - Adrian Peterson, who nearly broke the National Football League's single-season rushing record last season during an MVP campaign, had surgery on Thursday to repair a sports hernia, the Minnesota Vikings said. Peterson, who was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season a year after suffering a torn knee ligament, is expected to make "a speedy recovery with no long-term concerns," the Vikings said in a statement. Despite an injury...

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson underwent surgery Thursday to repair a sports hernia. The club expects a quick recovery and doesn't anticipate any long-term issues for the 2012 NFL MVP. "Adrian Peterson had a surgical procedure done (Thursday) by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," the Vikings said in a statement. "Dr. Meyers was able to successfully repair Adrian's abdominal core muscle injury. We expect a speedy recovery...

Sabres forward J.P. Dumont has been diagnosed with a sports hernia that could require surgery and cost him a large portion of this season. Coach Lindy Ruff said the decision on surgery hasn't been made, and that Dumont might get another opinion. If surgery is necessary, Dumont would be lost for up to three months and probably wouldn't be available until after the Olympic break. Dumont has six goals and 14 points in 19 games this season. He hasn't played since Nov. 17. Panthers trade...

Feb 7 (Reuters) - Adrian Peterson, who nearly broke the National Football League's single-season rushing record last season during an MVP campaign, had surgery on Thursday to repair a sports hernia, the Minnesota Vikings said. Peterson, who was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season a year after suffering a torn knee ligament, is expected to make "a speedy recovery with no long-term concerns," the Vikings said in a statement. Despite an injury...

Chris Getz's rookie season has ended because of a sports hernia that will require surgery Friday. William Meyers, who specializes in these procedures and performed successful groin surgeries involving pitchers Mike Hampton and Roy Oswalt, will perform the operation in Philadelphia. Entering Tuesday, Getz was tied for first among American League rookies with 28 multiple-hit games and was second with 25 stolen bases in 27 attempts. The injury seemed to affect him at the plate recently, as...

The Sports Xchange San Francisco kicker David Akers will keep his job for the Super Bowl despite missing another field goal attempt in the NFC championship game on Sunday. "The decision's been made," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. Akers missed a 38-yard try that bounced off the left upright in the third quarter against Atlanta that would have tied the score at 24. The 49ers pulled out the 28-24 win with a touchdown and a late-game defensive stand to advance to the Super Bowl against the Baltimore...

Story line: Eagles' Donovan McNabb sharp (314 yards, 3 TDs) in return after missing final 7 games of last season for sports-hernia surgery. Star: Newly acquired WR Donte' Stallworth had 6 catches, 141 yards, TD in 10th-career 100-yard game. Extra point: Houston's supposedly improved offensive line gave up 5 sacks -- same as in 2005 opener. Quote: "They brought me here to do a job, and it feels good to get a win." --Stallworth.

The Sports Xchange EditorsNote: restores headline 49ers will stick with Akers as kicker San Francisco kicker David Akers will keep his job for the Super Bowl despite missing another field goal attempt in the NFC championship game on Sunday. "The decision's been made," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. Akers missed a 38-yard try that bounced off the left upright in the third quarter against Atlanta that would have tied the score at 24. The 49ers pulled out the 28-24 win...

All-Star forward Grant Hill was expected to miss three to six weeks after he has surgery for a sports hernia. Hill, the Orlando Magic's second-leading scorer last season, saw several specialists after he was pulled from the lineup Oct. 19. The club said Thursday that Dr. William Myers would operate next week in Philadelphia. - The NBA suspended Utah Jazz center Robert Whaley for two games without pay for punching Adam Parada of the Los Angeles Lakers during an exhibition...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Much of the early buzz around the winter meetings involved the impact Alex Rodriguez's hip tear will have on the third base market. But Joe Bick, the agent of Chicago White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis, said it's business as usual for his client and hinted that a decision doesn't seem imminent. "All options open," Bick said shortly after arriving at the massive Opryland Hotel. Youkilis is one of several options for the White Sox, who have explored other...

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- One of the top free agents is no longer available: Mario Williams, a pass rusher selected first overall in the 2006 NFL draft by Houston, agreed to a six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. The deal is reportedly worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, the 6-foot-6 Williams, a defensive end capable of switching to linebacker, was limited to just five games last season as a result of a torn pectoral...

Evan Lysacek's plans for a comeback to competitive figure skating this season have been further compromised by a sports hernia. The latest setback, which required surgery Tuesday, all but ends Lysacek's hopes to compete at January's U.S. Championships. According to U.S. Figure Skating, he is expected to be off the ice approximately six weeks. The hernia was discovered during the latest examination of the groin injury that had forced the reigning Olympic champion to...

One reason for Northwestern's improvement on defense the last two weeks has been the emergence of junior linebacker Nick Roach. Roach missed training camp with a sports hernia. Then his comeback was slowed by a sore hamstring. In last week's victory at Michigan State, he tied middle linebacker Tim McGarigle for the team lead with nine tackles. Said Roach: "It was rough at first to get back in game shape. I had to get my legs back underneath me, but I'm getting stronger every day."

INF Andy Parrino, who was activated from the disabled list last Saturday and made a great over-the-shoulder diving catch in short left Monday in Houston, is being optioned to Tucson to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for RHP Kip Wells. The Padres will also have to open a spot on the 40-man roster. RHP Mark Hamburger, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers and was assigned him to Triple-A Tucson. Hamburger was 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in 21 appearances (three starts) for Triple-A Round...